Social Psychology - Lecture Five

Question 1

McKnight study

Answer 1

Found that 83% of people met their ‘special partner’ in a familiar social setting, 6% in a casual social setting

Question 2

Bryne study

Answer 2

Found that people tended to make friends with those whom they were seated beside alphabetically

Question 3

Why is proximity so important?

Answer 3

Repeated exposure to any stimulus makes it more appealing, we tend to like the things we see often

Question 4

Mita et al study

Answer 4

Claimed that if it was merely repeated exposure to a stimulus that enhanced our liking then we should prefer photos of our facial images as we see them in a mirror (ie. a reversed photo image). Our friends, however, should prefer a normal photo of our faces (since this, image is the one that they normally see). Results support this view, 70% of people prefer a photo of
their own reversed mirror image, 70% of people, however, prefer the normal photo image of their friends.

Question 5

Reis (1997) study

Answer 5

Proximity doesn’t always work. Factors such as personality differences, conflict of interests, value differences, status differentials can all lead to antagonism. If the initial interaction is negative and this experience is reinforced then dislike will occur.

Question 6

Emotional arousal

Answer 6

Research indicates that people who are emotionally aroused rate others as more attractive

Question 7

White et al study

Answer 7

Found that men who ran on the spot rated women as being more attractive

Question 8

Dutton & Aaron (1974) study

Answer 8

People anticipating electric shocks rated members of the opposite sex as being more attractive

Question 9

Attractiveness

Answer 9

Important when it comes to relationships despite people generally refusing to admit it opening

Question 10

Wakil et al study

Answer 10

Found that out of 32 desirable traits for a partner, mean ranked physical appearance 12th and women ranked it 22nd

Question 11

Green, Buchanan & Heuer study

Answer 11

Analysed computer dating services, which used photo matching - for both sexes physical attractiveness was the major determining factor of date choice

Question 12

Walster et al study

Answer 12

Used a dance to assess student’s reactions to their partners on a blind date. Tests measuring scholastic ability, personality and attitudes were presented to all. People rated for attractiveness by independent observers (on arrival). The results showed that the more attractive you were rated by the observers the more you were liked by your date

Question 13

Sex differences on attractiveness

Answer 13

Men - both heterosexual and gay focused on the physical attractiveness of potential partners.
Women - both heterosexual and lesbian tended to focus on the psychological characteristics.

Question 14

Whipple (2018) study

Answer 14

Showed 90% of men when approached by an attractive woman would agree to sex,
only 10% of women when approached by an attractive man would agree to sex

Question 15

Benefits of attractiveness

Answer 15

Adults less aggressive to attractive children.
Attractive people are more likely to be hired for jobs.
Attractive students are more likely to be given better grades.

Question 16

Facial features men prefer

Answer 16

Childlike profile, big eyes, small nose and chin

Question 17

Facial features women prefer

Answer 17

Expression of dominance, small eyes, square jaw thrusting chin

Question 18

Torso men prefer

Answer 18

Medium bust, hips waist and bottom

Question 19

Torso women prefer

Answer 19

V shaped man, broad shoulders which tapers into small bottom

Question 20

Age and height men prefer

Answer 20

Younger, smaller women

Question 21

Age and height women prefer

Answer 21

Older, taller men

Question 22

Attractiveness and similarity

Answer 22

Many studies shown that people tend to be attracted to others who are similar to themselves, however, the most important determinants are similarity of attitudes, values and activities

Question 23

Divorce rate 1 in 3

Answer 23

Women often initiate the end of relationships
Women may feel more distressed in conflicted relationships
Women better through: Divorce, Separation and Widowhood

Question 24

Loneliness

Answer 24

Lonely people can sometimes feel distressed, bored and even depressed.
One effective way of coping is to make something valuable out of the solitude e.g. A hobby, work, studying.